Writes: Yougan Tamang
Since his early age of 13, he always dreamt of making his parents proud one day in anyways. Despite, many financial difficulties and physical constraints, today he has emerged as one of the youngest sportspersons of the state of Sikkim who has made his young presence felt in the sports arena. With his blazing achievements in the national and international arena of Taekwondo, today Lalit Portel is living his dream.
Lalit Darnal (20) hails from the small hamlet of Neopany gaon, Rey Khola under Martam Rumtek constituency. Born to parents Dik Man Portel and Reeta Darnal, he happens to be their only son. He completed his secondary school from Baha’i school, Tadong, Gangtok and currently due to the hectic schedule of his intensive Taekwondo training, he is pursuing his senior level from an open school.
‘I was really interested in Taekwondo since I was studying in class 7, but had no idea how to pursue it. Fortunately, Tilak Subba, a Taekwondo trainer from Kalimpong lived in my village, to whom I approached and then he started coaching me for the same. I am really indebted to him for all the things he has done for me and for making me the one I am today’ said Lalit.
Lalit’s mother Reeta Darnal happens to be of much support to Lalit towards his passion for Taekwondo.Since the initial days despite many financial hardships, she managed in all ways to support the dream of her son. She managed to provide her good training, good diet, fulfill all essentialness and also finance the international trips for competitions somehow.
‘Lalit has always been a special child for me since his early days I have seen his dedication and commitment towards Taekwondo. My family isn’t that rich enough to think about easily letting a child opt for sports but I somehow felt that despite hardships I should support my son’s dream and help him reach heights. Today, he is doing well and making all of us proud. For now, his dream is my dream said, Reeta Darnal.
Today, Lalit Portal is affiliated with the Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association and is being trained under the professionals. He has participated in many states, national and international competitions and had brought laurels to the state and the country. He has completed his Kukkiwon’s 1st DAN Taekwondo and is Black Belt 1st, Dan. His first competition was the First Inter-Dojang Beginners Taekwondo Poomsae Championship - 2010 organized by Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association.
He has participated in various Northeast region and national competitions viz,1st East Zone Taekwondo Poomsae Championship- 2010, 5th National Taekwondo Poomsae Championship -2012; 1st North East Zone Taekwondo Championship- 2012,; 6th National Junior Poomsae Taekwondo Championship- 2013; 3rd All Bodoland Taekwondo Poomsae Championship- 2015.
Recently, he had participated in the 6th Tirak Taekwondo International Championship- 2016 held on 23rd October 2016 at Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi Campus, Bangkok, Thailand and was successful in winning Silver and Bronze medal in the senior category. Earlier that year 2016, He had also won gold and silver in the 2nd International Taekwondo Championship and 1st International Taekwondo Poomsae Championship held at Taekwondo Training Centre, Thimpu, Bhutan on 20th -22nd May 2016. He has also participated in the World Taekwondo Hanmadang 2016 (Asian Continent Championship) held in Nepal.
Today, Lalit is living his dream and aspires to make bigger achievements in days to come and make the state of Sikkim and the entire country proud.
There are many sportsperson in the state and country, who are relentlessly working for their goal but somehow sometimes one may fail to achieve them on time. So, being patient is very important for a sportsperson. Along with patience, one needs dedication, commitment, hard work and consistency. So, let's strive for betterment in a better ways says, Lalit and sends an inspiring message to the young sportsperson.
The story of Lalit Portel is an inspiration to many. A story that unveils how hard work, dedication, compassion and believing in dreams brings about a transformation in life. How a support from a single person in one's life can bring a huge impact and change. Difficulties and constraints are the ones that bring about dramatic experiences that will make one's life worth living.
TheDC team, along with the Northeast Today salute the hard work and dedication of Lalit Portal and above all his mother for being so supportive of child’s dream and making it as her.
We also like to convey best wishes to Lalit Portel for all his future endeavors and we believe that he will shine more.
[By Yougan Tamang for TNT - The Northeast Today]
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